At United Equipment Accessories (UEA), we offer a variety of ways to protect the slip rings we manufacture from corrosion. Some of these ways include painting, anodizing, and providing stainless steel parts where possible. One of the fastest, simplest, and most cost-effective ways we can provide extra protection to our assemblies is by using alodine, a special coating for aluminum and other non-ferrous alloys, to protect against corrosion.
In addition to protecting the part, alodine does not add any noticeable weight to an assembly. It does not alter any dimensions on the parts, and it can also be used as a primer for paint. If a part is scratched after it’s been treated with alodine, it will still retain its anti-corrosive properties.
At UEA, we use the following process for applying alodine to our parts:
- The part is cleaned with water and a mild cleaning solution.
- The part is dipped in an aluminum preparation solution for a few minutes.
- The part is then rinsed and dried.
- The part is then dipped in to the alodine preparation solution for a short time, which cleans and etches the surface of the part for the final treatment.
- The part is rinsed and allowed to dry.
- The part is dipped in the alodine solution for a few minutes.
- The part is hung and allowed to air dry.
Once complete and dry, the part is ready for sub-assembly or installed on the completed slip ring product.
Alodine is a great solution if your product is aluminum and used in a salty or corrosive environment to help protect and extend the overall product life.